This year we’re encountering Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations that are smaller and more intimate, but this doesn’t mean they need to be any less fabulous. We speak to Lucy Burke of wedding and events hire company L.L Hire for her top tips on creating a festive affair with thought and impact.
1. Don’t be afraid of colour and shape.
From a feature dinner plate or range of sculptural coloured candles in the centre of your dining experience, being creative with your styling will bring joy to your space for both you and your guests. Even better, you’ll leave your guests feeling inspired when it’s their turn to host.
2. Florals are a beautiful and natural way to create a vibe.
Spend your afternoon foraging cuttings from your garden, the beachside neighbourhood, or head to your local flower market and choose flowers that make you smile. Your guests will feel the mood you’ve created as soon as they arrive.
Top tip: adding your arrangement to a colourful and stand-out vase will transform it into an art piece with ease.
3. We don’t all have the gift of being a great chef.
But this doesn’t matter at all — why not speak to one of your favourite caterers to see if they provide an in house catering experience? While you’re at it, you’ll be able to support a small business that needs it the most. Having the opportunity to work with an expert to create a custom menu for your guests will leave that overwhelming feeling of menu planning behind you. Being able to spend quality time with your guests in the comfort of your own home will be worth every cent.
4. No great event is complete without a cocktail.
However, this can be an overwhelming and slightly messy experience if not done right. Stick to one hero cocktail that will start the event off right. It doesn’t need to be complicated, and it could even be premixed to avoid both time constraints and stress (because no host wants that!). And don’t forget, small details will make a lasting impression on your guests, like a feature cocktail glass or beautiful fresh (edible) flowers to garnish.
5. Hire the added extras.
Whether that is a coloured linen napkin, cocktail glass or a range of cutlery, hiring will save you stress and won’t break the budget. Stretching yourself too thin in the lead up to your event is never chic, so look to the event hire businesses in your area to help ease the load. And if you’re in the area, L.L Hire has showrooms in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Palmerston North.
Are you feeling inspired? Once you’ve planned your party, it’s time to sort your outfit too. Check out Fashion Quarterly’s edit of 10 fabulous New Year’s Eve outfits for a look that sets the mood for celebrating.
